Fears Gold Coast is losing tourism 'sizzle'

A Gold Coast entrepreneur says the south-east Queensland region is in danger of losing its allure.

Strategic planner Geoff Burchill was involved in some of the Gold Coast's biggest developments and says the city now needs fresh ideas.

Mr Burchill worked on projects including the Palm Meadows golf club, Royal Pines and the Hope Island resort.

He says red tape and a shortage of suitable land are limiting the Gold Coast's potential.

"The things that make the Gold Coast different are now no-nos," he said.

"The tourism industry should stand away from worrying about the next season and take a good look at 2020 - what needs to happen for us to participate in what is a very strong upward growth curve in global tourism."

Mr Burchill says the recent closure of the Palm Meadows golf course should be a wake-up call to the tourism industry.

"While tourism is still its largest part of the economy, closely followed by health and education, it is still why people come here," he said.

"If we don't put some sizzle back in this, we will by 2020, be looking pretty ordinary."